Entocort side effects - anyone else?

[Dana Lee]

I've been on Entocort for about 3 weeks and the D has completely stopped, but I'm concerned about side effects. I used to run and after the last half-marathon in hilly Austin, TX, I hurt my ankle - I had stretched out a tendon. I had to have surgery to fix it and it has bascially ended my running days. Since taking Entocort the ankle that I had surgery on has really started to swell. My left shin also feels like it's going to go into spasm at any moment. I also feel itchy all over. Has anyone else experienced side effects while taking Entocort?

[tex]

Hi Dana Lee,

I'm sorry to hear about the tendon damage. I've never taken Entocort, but your symptoms concern me, since they're suggestive of an allergic reaction. Here are some listed side effects for Entocort EC:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); acne; change in mood or behavior; chest pain; confusion; severe headache; sudden increase in weight; swelling of the ankles; unusual bruising; vision changes.

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/entocort-side-effects.html

You don't have to have all of the symptoms of an allergic reaction in order to be having an allergic reaction to a drug. It's possible to have only one. If the ankle hasn't finished healing from the surgery, the swelling might be connected with the fact that corticosteroids slow down the healing process, (and they also increase the risk of developing an infection).

I would suggest that you check with your doctor ASAP. He or she may advise you to stop taking the Entocort if it is indeed causing an allergic reaction.

Many members here have mast cell issues associated with their MC. As a result, they take antihistamines to control the itching that often accompanies the mast cell issues. All but a handful of doctors in this country are unaware of the mast cell connection with MC.

Tex

[Dana Lee]

Thank you, Tex! My ankle surgery was 4 years ago. I've been in and out of physical therapy and nothing has really taken away the swelling. I just noticed quite an increase since I started taking Entocort. Thank you so very much for you reply and I'll call my doctor.

[carolm]

Dana Lee, I hope you called your Dr.

I took Entocort for at least 4 months and never had the side effects you are mentioning, nor do I recall others having those symptoms so it's a good thing you are calling your Dr. I think what you describe is unusual.

I did occasionally get lower leg and foot cramps but I think that was the result of needing vitamins. Once I started taking a multi vitamin, they stopped. It was not like the swelling, etc, that you describe.

take care,

Carol

[Dana Lee]

Entocort Update: My blood pressure had dropped quite a bit lately since I've lost weight, so I had stopped taking my blood pressure medicine. I had that funny feeling you get when your blood pressure is high so I had it checked and it was high. I took one of my blood pressure med.s and the next day the swelling in my ankle went away. I didn't realize Entocort could raise your blood pressure. I talked to my doctor and he thinks I had an allergic reaction to the Entocort. Since the swelling in my ankle went away he didn't think I needed to stop taking Entocort but did want me to start tapering since the D has gone away. So far so good! Except for the acne Entocort has recently blessed me with - thank goodness for make-up.

Thanks, Tex and Carol! You had the correct diagnosis!

[erinforever]

Hi Dana Lee,

I'm disappointed to say I had to stop the endocort on day 3. I awakened with
severe dizziness and a little nausea. The dizziness lasted all day - didn't feel comfortable
walking about at times and couldn't leave the house or drive. Didn't take any day 3
and woke up on day 4 feeling much better. Now my doc wants me to try the pepto
regime which i will do. Fortunately, my D has been very minimal. Good luck with your
course - we're all so different in responding to meds - I hope yours is a positive one!

[DebE13]

I've been on Entocort since last February and didn't notice the symptoms you're describing. I do get itchy all over but I don't think it's related to the meds. Mine would be seasonal allergies and mostly due to histamine issues.

[Joefnh]

Hello Dana Lee. I have taken Entocort a couple of times now and experienced an increase in my blood pressure and a couple of strange aches in my hand muscles. Entocort like other steroids can raise your blood pressure, I would certainly contact your doctor about these side effects.